Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

(Coming September 2013)

The second installment in the all-new series from the masterful, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!

Now
that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for
Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is
falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are
intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister
people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle
that Gansey is after...

I absolutely loved the first book in this series! There was just enough introduced to the story that you'd want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I can't wait for this next book, especially if we get to know more about Ronan *squee*

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

(Coming September 2013)

Tana lives in a world
where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined
monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and
prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you
can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party,
Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this
massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on
the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken
and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three
of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked,
opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
is a wholly original story of rage and revenge, of guilt and horror,
and of love and loathing from bestselling and acclaimed author Holly
Black.

I fell in love with Holly Black's writing after starting her Curse Worker's series and have been so excited to start something new from her. This one sounds absolutely fantastic (and the one she's co-writing with Cassandra Clare, too). I can't wait for September.

Monday, May 20, 2013

“There are only two
reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said.
“Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every
year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the
soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this
year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His
name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at
Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away
from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But
Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it
all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much
more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven
Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege
around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and
Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but
says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been
warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this
would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the
strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

I fell in love with Maggie's writing from the moment I discovered Shiver, the first books in her The Wolves of Mercy Falls books. So as soon as I learned about her newest series, I knew that I had to read it. And I'm so glad that I did!

Any regular reader of this blog knows how much I love mythology and legends. I'll read just about anything that I can that uses myths as a basis. In this particular series, that's exactly what Maggie did. She took a Welsh myth about sleeping kings and ley lines that was just absolutely fascinating. I found myself wanting to do research on some of the things she'd mentioned. It's explored in a pretty interesting way through this first book so as a reader you don't feel out of the loop.

One of my favorite things about reading Maggie's work is how she can take something mythological or magical and make it seem real, as though it could actually happen. In a modern setting where life seems completely normal and unordinary, she inserts something out of this world. It blows me away how she does it every time.

We also get introduced to the Raven Boys: Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Noah; as well as the girl that enters their world Blue. Each of them bring an interesting piece to the group and what it is they're searching for. I'm crossing my fingers that we get to learn a bit more about Ronan in the next book.

Now I'm waiting excitedly (and a little impatiently) for book 2, The Dream Thieves, and for the chance to meet Maggie again in September when it comes out. So close!

Monday, May 13, 2013

While the other girls in
the walled city-state of Baalboden learn to sew and dance, Rachel Adams
learns to track and hunt. While they bend like reeds to the will of
their male Protectors, she uses hers for sparring practice.

When
Rachel's father fails to return from a courier mission and is declared
dead, the city's brutal Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector: her
father's apprentice, Logan--the boy she declared her love to and who
turned her down two years before. Left with nothing but fierce belief in
her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself.

As
Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a
monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood,
they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war
decades in the making.

First of all, I really love this cover and the finished copy on the hardcover is even more beautiful. The mixture of the light and the dark fit perfectly with the theme of the story. Gorgeous!

This book completely blew me away. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it was so much more. The world that C.J. created was a dark and intense setting to begin with. But then there were certain situations that came up that I didn't see coming. These things I believe truly added to the dystopian aspect and made the circumstances seem even more imperative.

We also got both Rachel and Logan's points of view. It wasn't just one or the others story, and I loved that. In some instances it's important to get a different character's perspective, especially if the characters end up separated. C.J. weaved their stories seamlessly and kept me engaged to them both the entire time.

I just can't emphasize enough how completely blown away I was by this book. There was so much that took place from the story plot and action to romance and heartbreak. I'm so excited to find out what happens next for Rachel and Logan in Deception, and I have no doubt it will be even crazier than Defiance.

Friday, May 10, 2013

I asked Zoraida if she could share some of the mermaid things she's collected over the years... and she graciously agreed. So, on this stop for THE SAVAGE BLUE blog tour we get an up close of the inspiration for her series.

1) Swarovski under the sea collection of sea creatures.

2) I have lots of sea shells around my books. I believe this starfish
came from Puerto Rico. They seem to go well together, yes?

3) Because every wall needs a framed punk rock mermaid with wings.

4) Magic Mer-mike. This was a gift from my boss during my launch party last year. Definitely the strangest of my mer-gifts.

5) My favorite bookends.

6) I have 2 of these. One holding my necklaces (typical mermaids!) and one in the kitchen just hanging out.

7) This red mermaid is heavy. The framed picture is of my great
grandmother, grandmother, mother, and me when I was in Ecuador. If you
look closely, you can see Eric and Ariel walking over the bridge on my
cake.

Note: All of these were gifts. I've stopped buying myself mermaid
things because everyone does it for me! Perks of being a mermaid, I
suppose.

Thanks for letting me share!

So much fun! What did you guys think.

And, if you guys are interested there's a little contest going on that Zoraida is hosting:

In the sand-covered
queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life,
preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from
reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver
streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that
she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head
of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In
the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in
charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when
they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are
abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life
in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely
charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly
opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore
her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow
awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

Another fantastic novel by Trisha Wolfe that I'm so glad I got the chance to read. Of Silver and Beasts is the first novel in a new series and it definitely started off with a bang.

One of my favorite things about Trisha's writing is her ability to create such fascinating worlds. Everything from the history to the setting to even the characters is incredibly brought to life and described vividly. You actually feel as though you're experiencing everything right along with her characters.

There was also a pretty interesting dynamic change that you don't often read about. I don't want to give too much away, but suffice it to say that Kaliope, Caben, and other characters discover the differences of their lands and learn how to use them to their advantage. It was interesting and fun to watch unfold.

And, just as I've said before, Trisha knows how to develop relationships. It's one of my favorite things to watch unfold. Romantic, platonic, or even amongst enemies, Trisha knows how to show the different levels and grow them throughout her stories.

I can't wait to discover what else she has in store for these characters and this world, it will definitely be an interesting journey.

If you're interested, here's a little excerpt from the book:

Excerpt

The cool sensation of the fresh water on my skin helps me
forget my nerves and I lie back, floating just below the top of the water. My
body dulls, the cold soothing my sore muscles, and I welcome the numbness. The
ceiling of the cave is sprinkled with tiny clusters of white lights, dotting
the canopy above our heads like stars in the sky. I feel as if I’m sitting on
the rooftop of my apartment, staring at the night sky, not here in the
Otherworld, awaiting my death.

The water rolls, rocking my body, and I glance over as Caben
floats up beside me. He’s on his back also, and points to the lights dusting
the cave ceiling.

“Diamonds,” he says.

“Really?” I don’t know much about any minerals other than
mercury. And somehow, diamonds as our stars makes my chest heavy. It’s too
beautiful. “How can you tell?”

I laugh. “Quite expensive.” They twinkle as they reflect the
rippling water. “But almost more heavenly than the stars.” I lower my voice at
the end, hoping he didn’t hear my spoken thoughts.

Caben doesn’t speak, and the trickling of the stream and lap
of the pool becomes the only sound as we float in compatible silence. I could
drift off, fall asleep in this peaceful place, but I know we still have a
mission to complete before the Reckoning.

This thought awakens me, and I touch my feet to the bottom
of the pool and begin to wade toward the edge.

I hear Caben’s heavy groan. “No you don’t,” he says, and
captures the bottom of my tunic. He tugs me through the water, back to the
pool’s center. “Not yet. This could be our last reprieve, and I plan for us to
enjoy it.”

As I turn to face him, his fingers slip from my shirt to my
waist, grazing my stomach. My skin prickles, and I shiver, matching the
trembling water around us. His deep blue eyes meet mine, and he swallows, his
Adam’s apple working. Slowly, he begins to inch up my tunic—

“Wait.” I place my hand on top of his.

He cranes an eyebrow. “It should really have time to dry
before we go back.”

Logically, that makes sense. But the heated look he’s giving
me says so much more. And regardless of the attraction I may feel for the
prince—a woman would have to be blind—and whether or not we actually escape
this hell ... what then? We share an intimate moment once, and go back to our
stations in life, simply pretending nothing happened?

Or maybe I’m reading too much into his gaze. He’s a man, and
physical desire is self-serving. He may die ... and he probably wants to bed a
woman one last time. Everything about his character screams he’s not one who
thinks past the moment.

I could lose myself for now, give in to the pulse quickening
my blood with need, but I’ve never shown a man the clamp over my heart. It
would have to be something I did for a different reason if I ever chose to do
so. Not merely because I may die soon.

As I push his hand away and start to swim off, he grasps my
waist, encircling his firm arms around my stomach, and pulls my back to his
chest.

“Don’t run from me,” he breathes into my ear. “I’m not
asking for anything. Not even whatever it is you’re hiding. Just stay here.”

Lucy’s Chantress magic will make her the most powerful — and most hunted — girl in England.

“Sing,
and the darkness will find you.” This warning has haunted
fifteen-year-old Lucy ever since she was eight and shipwrecked on a
lonely island. Lucy’s guardian, Norrie, has lots of rules, but the most
important is that Lucy must never sing. Not ever. Now it is 1667, Lucy
is fifteen, and on All Hallows’ Eve, Lucy hears a tantalizing melody on
the wind. She can’t help but sing — and she is swept into darkness.

When
she awakes in England, Lucy hears powerful men discussing Chantresses —
women who can sing magic into the world. They are hunting her, but she
escapes and finds sanctuary with the Invisible College, an organization
plotting to overthrow the nefarious Lord Protector. The only person
powerful enough to bring about his downfall is a Chantress. And Lucy is
the last one in England.

Lucy struggles to master the song-spells
and harness her power, but the Lord Protector is moving quickly. And
her feelings for Nat, an Invisible College apprentice and scientist who
deeply distrusts her magic, only add to her confusion…

Time is
running out, and the fate of England hangs in the balance in this
entrancing novel that is atmospheric and lyrical, dangerous and
romantic.

I was intrigued by these from the very beginning when all I found was a description. The cover only added to my interest and I'm so glad that I got the opportunity to read the first book in this new trilogy.

There's just something about historical YA books that I'm really enjoying right now. Everything about that time is so different from what we know and Amy really brings that to life in Chantress. Not only the clothing, speech, and societal norms, but also the mindset of people during the 1600s and the medical discoveries up to that point. Such wonderful research that really brought the world she was creating to life.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the magic behind the singing of the chantresses. Siren's are more common to read about- women (or in some cases men) who use a song to lure their victims to their death- so it was fascinating to read about this type of magical singer. There was so much more to them and I loved the detail that Amy gave to really bring them to life.

I'm definitely intrigued to find out what else will be in store for Lucy and Nat as this series continues. There was so much to enjoy and learn about this world, I can't wait for more!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Making a plan for what I wanted to read for the month seemed to work out pretty well last month, so I thought I'd take a page from my sister's book (pun intended) again and post my plan for this month. You can check out her blog HERE to see what she's up to.

So, last month I was able to read the books I'd mentioned in my post, plus a few for blog tours and such. This month I hope to do the same thing *crosses fingers*, so let's see how that goes.

Of these I can add 2 to my Debut Author Challenge list (The Madman's Daughter and Splintered!) which will be nice. This might be a tall order because at least 3 are over 500 pages, but we'll see how this goes. I'm so excited to finally read some of these since they've been on my to-read stacks forever.

At 900 years old, Nissa
is finally ready to follow her mother's path and become the best Fairy
Godmother she can. She’s not thrilled when her first assignment turns
out to be a teenage human girl with self-esteem issues, but she knows
she has to start somewhere. Her assignment has dealt with bullies since
her freshman year and they haven’t let up. If Nissa can’t help her
regain her self-confidence her future is bleak.

To complicate
matters Nissa experiences all the signs that she's met the being fated
for her. This impossibility distracts her from her purpose. After all,
fairies and humans aren't meant for each other. How can her heart
believe otherwise? Can Nissa successfully complete her first assignment
as a Fairy Godmother? Will the fates allow Nissa and Levi to be
together? And even if they do, will Levi believe Nissa once she reveals
the truth?

From the moment I started this I knew that NISSA was going to be adorable, and it absolutely was. The cover is gorgeous and gives a cute, fairytale vibe that makes this seem just right.

I loved the fact that not only was Nissa's character one of those original "fairytale" type of fairy's with those fluttery type wings, but she also wanted to be a Fairy-Godmother. Bethany took everything I originally loved from a little girl and combined it into one story. I couldn't have asked for more.

Nissa was also a pretty fun character to read about to. She took her assignment seriously and did everything she could to help, while also discovering love for the first time. Everything about it was sweet and innocent, a perfect fit for a fairytale story about a fairy.

This was a sweet, fluffy, adorable read that I would definitely want to read again and recommend to others. Cute characters, sweet romance, and a little bit of "fairy" magic. What else could you ask for?

About
the Author:

Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and
grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn
High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult series.
She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently
serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles,
California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream
realized by independently publishing her novels through Amazon, Barnes &
Noble, and Smashwords.